Advancements in surgical techniques and introduction of laser, RF, and ultrasound technologies have made liposuction cosmetic surgery a much safer and less invasive procedure today. However, some degree of risk will continue to be there, just like in any other surgical procedure.
The patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-surgical instructions carefully in order to minimize risk. Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing liposuction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.
Potential Complications
As long as the procedure is performed by a trained and experienced surgeon, complications in liposuction cosmetic surgery will be rare. But the patient should note the possibility of the following complications, however rare:
- Infection during or after the procedure
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia or medicines
- Blood clotting
- Hematoma or accumulation of blood under the skin
- Excessive blood and fluid loss
- Friction burns
- Delayed healing
- Numbness in the incision areas
- Visible scarring
- Altered skin pigmentation
- Damage to the outer skin or nerves
- Damage to vital organs
Very Rare Complications
In extremely rare situations, liposuction may result in severe complications. These may include internal blood clots, cardiac arrest, cardia arrhythmia, acute drug interacts, excessive bleeding, seizures, permanent nerve damage and brain damage from anesthesia.
However, the occurrence of such complications can nearly be eliminated when the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon following all the established safety protocols. Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for liposuction.
Risks of Excessive Liposuction
The surgeon should ideally remove a maximum of 10 pounds of fat from a particular area according to the patient’s body contouring needs. However, if a larger amount of fat is removed from multiple areas, or too much liposuction is performed on a single day, it can create serious complications. A conservative approach to fat removal with liposuction should be adopted for safe outcomes.
Dents, lumps, and sagging skin may occur due to excessive liposuction. In cases of extensive requirement for liposuction, the procedure should be performed in phases. Each phase should be scheduled sufficiently apart to maintain patient safety.
Minimizing Risks
Full disclosure on part of the patient is important prior to the liposuction surgical planning. Details about their current health, medical history, current medication and herbal supplements, and whether the patient is a smoker should be disclosed transparently. The surgeon will assess this information objectively to determine whether or not to recommend liposuction.
The patient’s body weight should be stable, and up to 25 pounds more or less than their ideal weight. They should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions diligently to mitigate risk. On their part, the surgeon should prefer less invasive liposuction techniques such as tumescent liposuction, which can be performed using only local anesthesia.
Advanced technologies such as laser, ultrasound, or RF may be combined with liposuction to make the fat removal process less aggressive and to minimize the recovery period.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.